Abstract

The objective of the present study was
to compare near contrast sensitivity measured by FACT (Functional
Acuity Contrast Test) in 110 workers exposed to a mixture of solvents during
the shiftwork and after a prolonged absence from work for a vacancy.
Paired comparisons (Signed-rank Wilcoxon test) revealed that the
subjects had significantly lower contrast sensitivity to 6, 12 and 18 Hz
(P<0.001) during the exposure period, which was associated (GLM for
repeated measures) owith the years of work (F=3.22; d.f.=3.102; P=0.04),
specially when years >20 (F=12.04; d.f.=3.102; P<0.001). These findings
offer a positive indication as to the usefullness of this test to study the efficiency
of the neuro-optical structures in the periodic medical controls in
subjects exposed to neurotoxic solvents.